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Exotic Plants in Alaska's National Parks

Introduction

In 2002, field surveys were conducted to look for exotic vascular plant species in Alaska National Park units. The National Park Service (NPS) defines exotic species as those occurring in a given area as a result of human actions (Densmore et. al 2001). These species are of concern to the NPS because they can out compete native species, thereby altering the natural landscape, decreasing biodiversity, degrading habitats for native flora and fauna, and jeopardizing the genetic integrity of the affected parks (Allen and Hansen 1999). The purpose of the current study is to survey areas of current or historical human use within Alaska National Parks and compile a database of the locations and identities of any exotic vascular plants encountered in these areas. This report focuses on work I conducted in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve (YUCH) and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (GAAR) during the 2002 summer field season.